Simulation based calibration of analytical models for line traffic capacity

Analytical models of train operation are mainly used to assess the traffic capacity of railway systems. Such models usually contain parameters to be set in calibrating equations for a specified application. The authors have carried out a traffic capacity assessment for some railway lines using both analytical methods and computer simulation; then, for each method, calibrating parameters have been identified to produce the same results as simulations. From this comparison, a set of suggested values for calibrating parameters of line capacity formulas in various system configurations have been obtained. In this paper, a short review of mathematical approaches to assess the traffic capacity of a railway line is firstly presented. Then, the application of different models to a same case study is proposed. Finally, the comparison with output data resulting from computer simulation is discussed.